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Short Incision Facelift

The aging process is natural and unavoidable. Some of us accept the signs of aging as a natural part of growing older. Others believe that there is not good reason to look older than they feel, and explore cosmetic surgery as a way of regaining the smooth and tight facial appearance they enjoyed in their youth.

Major advancements in facelift surgery over the past decade has resulted in more natural looking results. No one wants the “obvious” or “pulled” plastic surgery look that comes from an overaggressive or outdated surgical face-lift technique. When performed by an expert facial surgeon, facelift surgery can take years off your face and help restore an overall more youthful appearance.

There are a variety of facelifts available and the most appropriate one for you depends on your facial features and the degree of laxity of the lower face. This video explains the short incision facelift and who it is appropriate for.

Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Buonassisi places great importance on using a variety of surgical techniques that create a naturally results and leave patients looking refreshed and reinvigorated. Vancouver facelift surgery is primarily designed to enhance and tighten the lower portions of the face, particularly the cheeks and jaw line. Some people who choose facelift surgery have a neck lift as well to tighten and rejuvenate the neck, eliminating excess tissue and “banding” or wrinkling that often forms as we age.

The SMAS Facelift Using a Short Incision

The techniques used by Dr. Buonassisi address the SMAS (superficial musculo-aponeurotic system), which is a deep underlying structure of the face that, when it begins to sag, contributes as much to the aging face as does loss of elasticity of the skin. The classic or traditional facelift surgery addresses only the superficial skin, and usually results in a “too tight” or pinched look. The complete facelift that Dr. Buonassisi performs addresses the SMAS, so that the deeper structures of the face are elevated.

The term “short scar” refers to the types of incision used behind and below the ear. Patients who want to be able to wear a pony tail after surgery may choose this approach. There is a bit of tradeoff with the short incision, in that less neck lifting can be achieved. This tradeoff is acceptable for people who rate the importance of wearing a ponytail highly. Long incision facelifts are sometimes recommended for people who require significant neck lifting. In most cases, incisions are small enough and located in well-concealed areas to make scarring a minor issue. People should notice your youthful facial contour, not your scars.

Recovering from Short Incision Facelift

most patients take 2 weeks off work

bruising and swelling is at it’s worst on day 3, then resolves over the next week or so

you will be up able to move around the house on your own and do light household activities the day after surgery

no strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for 2 – 3 weeks

while you will be comfortable being seen in public after 2 weeks, your result improves over the next few weeks

you can easily hide incision with makeup until they begin to fade – incisions heal well and are usually very difficult to see

Types of Facelifts

There are several different types of facelift and necklift surgeries, each with their own unique benefits and risks. The type of facial rejuvenation surgery that is best for you depends on your objectives, the specific features of your face and skin, and the degree of sagginess of the neck and jowl area. Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Buonassisi is an expert facelift surgeon and uses a wide variety of techniques to achieve your facial rejuvenation objectives. He treats the deep underlying structures of the face to reverse the visible signs of aging and restore a more youthful, rested appearance, with natural looking results. In you surgical consultation, Dr. Buonassisi will evaluate your facial features and recommend which type of facelift is best for you.

Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Buonassisi places incisions in the natural skin creases in front and behind the ear. They may extend upward into the temporal scalp. “Short scar” refers to the posterior incisions, which stop in the skin behind the ear. They do not extend posteriorly into the scalp (this kind of incision is used in a long insicion). The skin of the lower face and neck is elevated away from the underlying muscle and fat. These deep SMAS structures are then suspended upward and slightly backward to a more youthful position. Excess skin is then trimmed and the incisions are meticulously closed to minimize their appearance. Significant reshaping of the aging features of the face and neck can be achieved with this technique. The abbreviated posterior scar (short scar) allows for patients to continue wearing their hair in a ponytail if that is specifically requested. The short scar techniques allows for slightly less lifting of the neck area.

Benefits of Facelift Surgery:

Sharpening of the jaw line

Definition of the neck angle

Reduction of double chin

Reduced neck fullness

Cheek volume and elevation

Are You a Good Candidate

You may be a candidate for cheek implants if you have any of the following physical features: